Springfield’s largest healthcare systems are requiring its employees to have at least one dose of the covid-19 vaccine by Saturday and be fully vaccinated by January 4th.
But some healthcare workers and residents are standing up against the mandate.
Local hospitals including HSHS and Memorial say they’re just complying with federal mandates. but some healthcare workers and residents tell me it shouldn’t be required, it should be a choice.
“It's either get vaccinated or lose your job. It’s sad. I don't think anybody should be forced,” said Kristi Hickam, organizer of Illinois Freedom Fighters.
Hickam adds healthcare workers shouldn’t be required to get the covid-19 vaccine.
“Everyone should have the option to choose what goes into your body,” Hickam said.
Some healthcare workers like Clay Henderson agree there should be options.
“Healthcare workers had a choice with the flu vaccination so they should have a choice with this vaccination,” said Clay Henderson, healthcare worker.
Henderson explains mandating the vaccine will force some workers to leave their job.
“This is going to put a huge damper on our healthcare if they have to let go all these people so it's a big deal,” said Henderson
Local hospitals sent the statements below.
Hospital Sisters Health System (HSHS) statement
All HSHS facilities, including HSHS St. John’s Hospital in Springfield, Illinois, are complying with federal mandates requiring COVID-19 vaccination or the exemption process for all employees. HSHS has been advocating the COVID-19 vaccine to the general public and colleagues all year.
Memorial Health Statement
83.9 percent of Memorial Health’s workforce has received at least one dose of COVID-19 vaccination. We will continue to offer opportunities for our employees to get vaccinated.
The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services issued a rule requiring workers in healthcare organizations that participate in the Medicare and Medicaid programs to be at least partially vaccinated against COVID-19, or be granted a medical or religious exemption, by Dec. 5, 2021. Full vaccination is required by Jan. 4, 2022, for any worker who has not been granted an exemption. The new CMS rule for COVID-19 vaccination aligns with Memorial Health’s values, which prioritize safety above all. We are working to comply with the deadlines set out by CMS and have advised our workforce of their options for requesting a medical or religious exemption.
Workers that are seeking medical or religious exemptions with HSHS, must submit their requests by Saturday, December 6th. Memorial Health says those requests must be submitted by Friday, December 6th.
On December 6th all eligible healthcare workers must have received the first dose of a two-dose COVID-19 vaccine or a one-dose COVID-19 vaccine prior to providing any care or other services.